Apparently, Norway consistently rates as one of the happiest countries on Earth. And as a country rich in salmon, Teslas, and natural wonders, we can’t say that we’re surprised. But if there’s one way to really pass on the infectious Norwegian grin, it’s a day spent at some of the world’s most luxurious eco-chic spas.
Close your eyes to the sound of crashing waves as skilled hands revive your mind, body and soul—only to be gently reintroduced into reality by hypnagogic sunsets. Allow the natural properties of water to heal burnt-out bodies through heated hammam baths, steamy saunas and liberating pools. Or simply float away into serendipitous bliss, as the unrestricted freedoms of childhood are reignited by a physical manifestation of that youthful go-with-the-flow mentality.
For those committed to eco vacations, Norway remains a standout destination for a number of reasons. As a front-runner in environmentally friendly initiatives, many of Norway’s top spas strive for opulence whilst simultaneously protecting our planet. Plus, you could find yourself pleasantly surprised at what this soul-restoring experience might cost you. And whilst their superlative standards remain intact, a few of the country’s top spas are priced to accommodate tighter budgets.
Luxurious spa treatments without costing the world (or your wallet)—if that’s not reason to smile, we don’t know what is.
Top 13 best spas in Norway
- Solstrand Spa
- Son Spa
- The Well
- Bare Flyt
- The Thief Spa
- Farris Bad
- Soria Moria Sauna
- Artesia Spa
- Norefjell
- Britannia Spa
- Hotel Union Spa
- KOK Oslo
- Oslo Badstuforening
Solstrand Spa
Lie back and close your eyes to the sound of crashing waves and seagulls heralding in the Spring, while expert masseurs bring your body and soul back to life through revitalizing treatments. And as you lift your eyelids and re-enter reality, it’s highly likely that you’ll be met by a sky painted fiercely in orange, pinks and reds to remind you of all that is important—and all that is not.
Situated within the luxury boutique hotel, the Solstrand Spa alone is worth making a trip to Norway. We especially recommend their Mom To Be Treatment. It may just be the (long awaited) antidote to morning sickness.
Best for: Checking in and chilling out.
Address: Solstrandvegen 200, 5200 Os, Norway Opening days and hours: Mon-Sun: 7am-10pm Price range: $$ Website: solstrand.com
Son Spa
Dermatologist approved (and encouraged), Son Spa encapsulates the soul restorative effects of a day in the sun—without the freckled nose, bad tan lines and incoming wrinkles to show for it.
Whether you’re waiting for a conference, manifesting your dream me day or reconnecting with your partner, Son Spa has a package just for you. Our personal favorite is probably the Tid for Spa, featuring a delicious dinner as the perfect end to a day of relaxed pampering. Plus their sustainability programme makes it the perfect stay for those sticking to eco vacations.
Best for: Sun-kissed without the consequences.
Address: Hollandveien 30, 1555 Son, Norway Opening days and hours: Mon-Thurs: 7am-9pm Fri-Sun: 7am-11pm Price range: $$ Website: sonspa.no
The Well
Switch off and tune into the serene whispers of sweet nothings at The Well Spa Resort in Oslo. Committed to filling your tank (or perhaps your well), the tranquil spa forces you to escape city stresses through digital detoxes and plenty of steam.
Staying true to its name in more ways than one, water is at the core of the eco chic spa. Be it (costume-free) saunas, healing hammam baths or colossal pools, a weekend at The Well is like entering a parallel universe—one where the stifling rules of society simply don’t exist.
Best for: (Well)coming your (well)being.
Address: Kongeveien 65, 1412 Sofiemyr, Norway Opening days and hours: Mon-Sun: 10am-10pm Price range: $$ Website: thewell.no
Bare Flyt
Translated to just flow, Bare Flyt embodies the go with the flow mantra that is so often easier said than done—especially when the demands of children and a deluge of commitments simply don’t allow for it.
But sleep-deprived eye bags and early-onset wrinkles are no longer prerequisites to young parenthood or corporate ladder climbers. And contemporary floating spas, such as Bare Flyt are here to prove it. We all know that a few minutes of floating on water so often relieves the burdens that torment our minds. So imagine what an hour would do—for yourself and others.
Best for: Floating through life.
Address: Stockfleths gate 51, 0461 Oslo, Norway Opening days and hours: Mon-Thurs: 12pm-8pm Fri-Sun: 10am-5pm Price range: $$ Website: bareflyt.no
The Thief Spa
Stealing you away from everyday mundanities, we don’t have a problem with this kleptomaniac. We’ve already mentioned The Thief hotel as one of our best boutique hotels in Norway. So if you’ve acted on our recommendation and planned your check in, this spa should be first on your itinerary.
The Thief Spa is inspired by (or has stolen) cultures, techniques and traditions from around the world—fusing the best of the best together to create an unparalleled experience. Think about Moroccan clay treatments followed by Turkish hammam baths and it’s enough to book your flights on the spot (well at least for us it is).
Best for: Stealing your heart.
Address: Landgangen 1, 0252 Oslo, Norway Opening days and hours: Mon-Sun: 10am-7pm Price range: $$ Website: thethief.com
Farris Bad
If you understand luxury to be the fusion of comfort and elegance, it won’t take long to understand exactly why Farris Bad has won so many luxury awards. Featuring one of Norway’s most comprehensive spas, the luxury resort does so much more than scrub your back and tickle your toes.
Farris Bad has expert therapists waiting to redefine your idea of rejuvenating relaxation through intricate treatments. And while the Duo Hammam is perfect for celebrating anniversaries and new relationships alike, the Rhassoul will provide your skin with all the nourishment it needs after a day in the sun.
Best for: Nothing bad about it.
Address: Fritzøe Brygge 2, 3264 Larvik, Norway Opening days and hours: Mon-Sun: 7am-11pm Price range: $$$ Website: farrisbad.no/en/spa
Soria Moria Sauna
Soria Moria Sauna is about finding rest in the steep mountains and wild nature. Situated in the middle of a still lake, the distinctive architecture is inspired by its surroundings. And so, as the sun sets, the iconic silhouette blends into nature in the form of sharp mountain peaks.
Book Soria Moria Sauna for one to secure that much needed moment of solitude. Keep your relationship steamy with a booking for two. Or go in as a group and soak in the surreal experience with friends and family.
Best for: Serene simplicity.
Address: Markensvegen 20, 3880 Dalen, Norway Opening days and hours: Mon-Sun: 8am-12am Price range: $ Website: www.visittelemark.no/dalen
Artesia Spa
Your stay at the Grand Hotel in Oslo is only complete once you’ve visited their award-winning spa. With classical grandeur and old-school style service inherent to one of Norway’s best luxury hotels, you can expect to feel like nothing less than royalty under the care and attentive fingers of expert therapists.
The Artesia Spa menu consists of a variety of treatments. From traditional massages, skin care and boy treatments to more technical physiotherapy and osteotherapy. And while any of these treatments are bound to do the job, we recommend embracing the experience fully with their carefully curated packages. After all, who doesn’t want to feel Fresh and Fabulous, take Time Out or embark on a Gentleman’s Spa Escape?
Best for: Feeling grand.
Address: Karl Johans gate 31, 0159 Oslo, Norway Opening days and hours: Mon-Fri: 7am-9pm Sat-Sun: 8am-9pm Price range: $$$ Website: grand.no/en/spa-and-gym
Norefjell
Is there any better way to end a day on the slopes than at a luxury resort spa? We don’t think so. While you reminisce over your off-piste prowess, allow skilled fingers to knead, rub and pulsate your tired legs into a condition to do it all again the next day.
Norefjell is renowned for their all-encompassing menu. So you really have no excuse to miss a day on the slopes. And while hot lava stones promise to melt away your aches and pains, the Mother & Daughter package is aimed at creating memories with softening baths, mini facials, massages and smoothies. If there were ever a reason to spend a day in blister-inducing boots—it’s this.
Best for: Pulsating your legs into off-piste condition.
Address: Bøseter, 3543 Norefjell, Norway Opening days and hours: Mon-Sun: 1pm-9pm Price range: $$$ Website: norefjellskiogspa.no/spa/
Britannia Spa
Celebrating cutting edge Scandinavian design, the Britannia Spa features plant walls and cascading chic lights, combining the contrasting worlds of nature and nurture. Expect to be intrigued by avant-garde architecture and geometrical brilliance. Whilst nurturing hands soothe you into a state of rest and relaxation.
Opt for the signature hot stone treatment to soak in the benefits of a classical Swedish massage combined with stress-relieving properties of heated rocks. Or revive your skin with facial steamers, ultrasonic peeling and light therapy. Either way, you’ll leave Britannia Spa revitalized and replenished. That’s a promise.
Best for: Using nature to nurture.
Address: Dronningens gate 5, 7011 Trondheim, Norway Opening days and hours: Mon-Fri: 7am-8pm Price range: $$$ Website: britannia.no/en/spa
Hotel Union Spa
Escape everyday routines through tranquil simplicities, as the Hotel Union Spa whisps you away with picturesque views, comforting fireplaces and soul-restoring treatments. We can all recite the benefits of frequent self-care, but how often do we actually make the time to practice what we preach?
Hotel Union Spa makes embracing those much needed time-outs effortless. And the minute that you step foot into the tranquil atmosphere, you’ll feel your tank being filled. End your visit with a Hammam scrub and Turkish bath and we’ll be sure to see you at this time next year (and perhaps the year after that too).
Best for: Practicing self-care.
Address: Geirangervegen 100, 6216 Geiranger, Norway Opening days and hours: Mon-Sun: 10am-7pm Price range: $$$ Website: www.hotelunion.no/en/spa/
KOK Oslo
It’s no secret that floating saunas are the next big thing in pampering. But don’t make the mistake of believing that all of these niche spas are created equal. And while we’ve left a few feeling slightly disappointed, the KOK Oslo only induces blissful serenity.
Revisiting the unrestricted joys of childhood, the KOK Oslo encourages you to embrace the weightless liberation of allowing the water to carry you where it will. End it off with an ice-cream on the pier and it’s impossible not to look and feel ten years younger (at least for a day).
Best for: Soul-nourishing nostalgia.
Address: Langkaia 1, 1050 Oslo, Norway Opening days and hours: Mon-Fri: 7am-10pm Sat-Sun: 8am-10pm Price range: $ Website: koknorge.no/kok-oslo/
Oslo Badstuforening
Frequently reviewed as a trip highlight, the Oslo Badstuforening is one of the best attractions in Norway. The non-profit organization aims to bring luxurious tranquility to people from all walks of life. And all proceeds go back into the development of the project whilst reducing prices even further.
Oslo Badstuforening features a cluster of driftwood saunas set atop a glistening lake, enticing you to dive into one of the capital’s famous fjords. And with its philanthropic, adventurous and restful spirit, it perfectly embodies one of the happiest countries.
Best for: Spreading the love.
Address: Sukkerbiten, 0150 Oslo, Norway Opening days and hours: Mon-Sun: 7am-10pm Price range: $ Website: oslobadstuforening.no
Frequently asked questions about luxury spas in Norway
The largest spa in Europe is the Therme Erding. But bigger doesn’t always mean better. And whilst the facilities aren’t bad, it is known to be unpleasantly overcrowded. If you’re looking for the best spas in Europe, check out our Luxa Terra’s sustainably curated travel list.
Whilst Norway isn’t known for its hot springs, it is home to a number of thermal bath spas. The Well in Sofiemyr is one of the most popular thermal bath focused spas. And their healing Hammam baths, colossal pools and costume-free saunas are renowned as one of the best attractions in Norway.
Whilst the most popular treatment may vary from country to country and spa to spa, it’s safe to say that universally the massage reigns supreme. And almost all spa visitors are said to opt for some sort of massage amongst other more niche treatments.
Amongst other things, Norway is renowned for its eco chic saunas. And whilst (almost) all spas feature some kind of sauna, many of them hero the heat-infused room as the central feature. For example, the Oslo Badsforening is a non-profit organization aiming to bring the tranquility of saunas to everyone. While the KOK Oslo is one of the top floating saunas worldwide.